Sous Chef Salary in Newport News, VA
Sous Chefs in Newport News, VA, in 2025, earn approximately $24.00 per hour, which translates to about $960.00 per week, $4,160.00 per month, and $49,920.00 per year.
The job demand for Sous Chefs in Newport News is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive career opportunities and an expanding culinary market in this area.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Newport News, VA?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Newport News can vary depending on experience and employer, but the following table outlines typical earnings at various levels of expertise.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $20.00 | $800.00 | $3,467.00 | $41,600.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $24.00 | $960.00 | $4,160.00 | $49,920.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.00 | $1,120.00 | $4,853.33 | $58,240.00 |
Do Sous Chefs in Newport News Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs usually do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes in kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation typically comes from salary or hourly wages only.
Sous Chef Salary in Newport News vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs make around $25.00 per hour, equating to approximately $52,000.00 per year.
Comparing this to Newport News figures, Sous Chefs earn slightly less at an average of $24.00 per hour and $49,920.00 annually.
This difference may be influenced by local cost of living, demand, and employer size in the Newport News area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Newport News for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer varied compensation for Sous Chefs:
- Downtown: $25.00 per hour
- Port Warwick: $26.00 per hour
Sous Chefs working in Port Warwick enjoy the highest pay among these regions, presenting appealing options for those willing to commute or relocate nearby.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Newport News?
Several key factors influence the earnings of Sous Chefs in Newport News:
- Experience and Expertise: Greater experience and advanced culinary skills typically result in higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, or catering companies often offer better salaries than casual dining venues.
- Skills and Certifications: Skills in kitchen leadership, menu development, and certifications like ServSafe can enhance earning potential.
- Shift Hours: Working night or weekend shifts might include additional pay.
- Local Demand and Cost of Living: These economic factors impact salary ranges regionally.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Newport News
To pursue a career as a Sous Chef in Newport News, consider these important steps:
- Obtain Culinary Education: Programs at vocational schools such as The Apprentice School provide hands-on training valuable for this role.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Certification is essential and widely recognized for kitchen management positions.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working under experienced chefs as a Commis Chef or Cook helps build core skills needed for advancement.
- Develop Knife Skills and Menu Planning Abilities: These are critical competencies for Sous Chefs.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Newport News
Prominent employers seeking skilled Sous Chefs in Newport News include:
- Riverside Regional Medical Center
- The Chesapeake - LifeSpire
- Compass Group
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Newport News Work At
Sous Chefs work in a variety of establishment types, each influencing salary differently:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offer higher salaries due to the complexity and prestige of the cuisine.
- Hotels and Resorts: Provide steady employment with potential benefits and good pay.
- Catering Companies: May pay based on event schedules and require versatility.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Typically offer lower salaries but more entry-level opportunities.
The type and scale of the establishment significantly affect a Sous Chef's earnings and career growth.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Newport News for Sous Chefs
If you are interested in careers related to Sous Chef, consider these similar positions offering parallel skills and career paths:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Kitchen Manager roles, which share overlapping culinary responsibilities and offer opportunities for career advancement.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Newport News
Sous Chefs in Newport News should familiarize themselves with local and federal labor laws to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Refer to the official U.S. Department of Labor website for comprehensive federal employment regulations and wage standards.
- The Commonwealth of Virginia’s official website provides resources on state-specific labor laws, taxes, and employment guidelines.